CEDAR CREST, NM, USA
N90240
BALLOON WORKS AX9
A BALLOON FLIGHT OVER THE CITY RESULTED IN THE BALLOON BEING CARRIED OVER THE SANDIA MOUNTAINS. THE PILOT SAID HE ENCOUNTERED WORSE WINDS AFTER CROSSING THE MOUNTAINS, AND ESTIMATED THE WINDS WERE 090 DEGREES AT 24, GUSTING TO 40 KNOTS. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A HIGH WIND LANDING AND STRUCK SEVERAL TREES. THE ENVELOPE, GONDOLA, AND SUSPENSION LINES WERE SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED, AND THE OCCUPANTS RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. THE PILOT FAILED TO REPORT THE ACCIDENT UNTIL THE FAA CONTACTED HIM. THE INVESTIGATION SHOWED THE BALLOON HAD NO FUEL LEFT TO CLIMB OR MANEUVER, MAKING THE HIGH WIND LANDING THE ONLY OPTION.
PILOT'S DELAYED PRECAUTIONARY LANDING AND THE SUBSEUQENT FUEL EXHAUSTION. A FACTOR WAS THE ENCOUNTER WITH HIGH WINDS IN FLIGHT.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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